The Golden Cup of Kalardasht  The Golden Cup of Two Lions, also referred to as the Kalardasht Cup…

The Golden Cup of Kalardasht The Golden Cup of Two Lions, also referred to as the Kalardasht Cup, is an exceptional archaeological artifact unearthed in the Kalardasht region of Mazandaran Province, Iran. This ancient vessel is currently preserved at the National Museum of Iran in Tehran. Based on stylistic analysis, it is attributed to a period ranging from approximately 1000 to 600 BCE.

In 1934 CE (1313 SH), during the construction of the royal summer residence known as Ejabiyat in the Kalardasht plain, several Iron Age burial sites were uncovered. The excavated objects, which include weapons and vessels crafted from precious metals, have since become known as the “Kalardasht Treasure.”

The Kalardasht Golden Cup, measuring 10 centimeters in height, features a continuous frieze of lions rendered in high relief. Each lion’s head is separately fashioned and affixed to the vessel’s body by riveting. The flanks and haunches of the lions are adorned with the swastika motif (卍), a symbol of antiquity, while solar wheel designs are engraved on their chests. The upper and lower rims of the cup are decorated with a chain-like motif, and its base showcases a geometric medallion encircled by a linked chain pattern. Within the medallion, finely incised six-petaled floral designs can be observed.